Atlanta, Ga. (April 1, 2015) – Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) and Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) are disappointed that, in a late-night vote, two anti-electric vehicle measures were included in HB 170, a new transportation funding bill for Georgia. A compromise proposal to phase out the credit over the next five years was not even considered. Both the House and the Senate passed the bill, which eliminates the tax credit for electric vehicles (EVs) and adds a new $200 annual fee for electric vehicle drivers. These measures undermine the progress Georgia has made on electric vehicles and the positive impact these vehicles have had for the state.

“Eliminating the EV tax credit and adding a new user fee penalizes both Georgians and an industry bringing environmental and economic benefits to the state. We recognize that hard decisions must be made in bills like HB 170, but penalizing EVs is short-sighted,” said Anne Blair, program director of the Clean Fuels program at SACE.

“Georgia has been a leader on electric vehicle adoption, to the benefit of Georgia drivers – but cutting the EV tax credit and enacting this yearly $200 fee is a one-two punch that will put Georgia’s leadership in jeopardy. These advanced vehicles saved Georgia more than $10 million in fuel costs and prevented the burning of 4.5 million gallons of gasoline in 2014 alone. Dismantling policy support for EVs will make it more difficult for Georgians to enjoy the many benefits of driving on electricity and for Georgia to reduce its oil use,” says Josh Goldman, lead policy analyst for the Clean Vehicles program at UCS.

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Founded in 1985, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that create global warming solutions and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at www.cleanenergy.org

The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet’s most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe and sustainable future. For more information, go to www.ucsusa.org.